Confirmed Lineups: Mikel Arteta Names Starting Side For Hull Clash

Mikel Arteta has made six changes from the side that defeated Slavia Prague 1-2 in the Champions League in midweek, as Arsenal look to continue their domestic momentum, hosting newcomers Hull City at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon. 

David Raya keeps his place between the sticks, with Gabriel also keeping his place in the side. Ezri Konsa has overcome an injury assessment to also remain in Arteta’s XI after he was withdrawn late on during the win in Prague with knee discomfort. Riccardo Calafiofi starts at left back, replacing Piero Hincapie whilst Jurrien Timber is preferred on the right over Ben White. 

Declan Rice rightly keeps his spot in midfield, whilst Bruno Guimarães returns, replacing Martin Zubimendi. Captain Martin Ødegaard is also re-introduced, replacing Mikel Merino who started in midweek in the Czech Republic .

Into the forward line and Noni Madueke is deployed on the right after his bright performance in midweek, bagging his first European goal of the season. Christos Tzolis is starting in back-to-back Premier League games having started in the victory at Anfield, whilst Havertz is preferred to Viktor Gyökeres, despite the Swedes very bright performance on Wednesday night where he managed to score and assist to help Arsenal to all three points. 

Arsenal Starting XI: Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Konsa, Calafiori, Rice, Guimarães, Ødegaard, Tzolis, Havertz & Madueke. 

Substitutes: Kepa, White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Merino, Eze & Gyökeres. 

Hull City Starting XI: Tzolakis, Coyle, Ajayi, Egan, Mendy, Stroud, Slater, Iroegbunam, Gourna, McBurnie & Cho. 

Substitutes: Butland, Giles, Thomas, Gelhardt, Hjertø-Dahl, Norton-Cuffy, Herrington, Mouzaktis & Vaz. 

Hull City have been a revelation in their first season in the top flight since 2016/17. Sergej Jakirovic’s side have amassed 11 points in their first nine games to leave them sitting pretty in 11th in the table. The Tigers have only lost two fixtures in the league this season, though they were both away from home against Newcastle United and Fulham.

Many people's top pick to go down this season, Hull seem to be defying the odds so far this season, and will be looking to take inspiration from impressive results such as their 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier this season to The Emirates this afternoon. 

For the Gunners, they will be looking to keep up the momentum and tick off their fifth Premier League victory in-a-row, having registered wins against Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Everton & Liverpool since the international break. The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League standings as a result, three points clear of second place Manchester City. 

This afternoon's fixture at the Emirates Stadium will kick off at 3pm in the UK, though it will not be shown live.